Mpalapande - Phase One Completion

We received a fabulous report today from our Bega Kwa Bega friends in Iringa, Tanzania.  The first phase of the Mpalapande Primary School is almost complete! Above, the foundation and walls are well underway. By the end of the week, we expect to have the rim beam and three additional rows of brick atop the walls.

We're grateful for the photos and report provided by BKB Program Coordinator Julia Hubbard and for the oversight and assessment provided by our Iringa Diocese officials, Rev. Lusungu Msigwa and construction project manager Amos Mkuye.

We just got back about from a quick trip out and back to Mpalapande.  We arrived when it was just starting to roast, and yet the laborers were still hard at work.  As you can see from the photos, they are just finishing up the bricks for the walls of the 3 classroom building.  They plan on completing the rim beam later this week and then a final 3 rows of bricks before beginning framing next week.

We also reviewed the septic site which is an area of 10m by 2m by 3m (depth).  The first team that was excavating hit a giant rock and were too discouraged to continue, so a second team and will be coming in to continue the excavation tomorrow and finish on Friday.

I was impressed by Sama [the contractor] and the way that he explained the progress, challenges, and next steps.  He was very knowledgeable.

After reviewing the work completed thus far, we were invited over to Pastor Paul's sister's house where we had a short check-in with members of the community, Mpalapande, Sama, and the reps from DIRA/BKB.  The Village Officer was present (he happens to also be an Anglican evangelist) as well as the head of the school committee.  People commented on the high quality of the cement and Sama offered their/his thanks for the community's support.  People have brought chai by and elders have come every day.  We also heard that students from other schools came and sang songs commenting on how good the school looked. 

As I look at the photos and read the reports, I am deeply moved at the cooperation and hard work by everyone involved. This is not a project that could happen without many, many people, each providing their energy and gifts to get the job done. There are Maasai, Barabeig, Hehe and Bene tribes working together, Americans and Tanzanians, youth and elders. There are skilled workers and there are those willing to carry water. There are hundreds of people from SOTV - many who will never see this place in person - who are contributing funds. There are people from both the Saint Paul Area Synod's offices and the Iringa Diocese offices who are assisting with transferring funds and providing oversight. As Julia said above, women are bringing chai [tea and breakfast] to the workers, and children have come to see the project, reminding us why we are all doing it in the first place.

Young, old, women, men, of several tribes and nations -- this is the kingdom of God.

Bwana Yesu Asifiwe! [Praise the Lord Jesus!]